Sailing Turkey - Fethiye to Bodrum

About Turkey

When it comes to beautiful coastlines and natural geographic wonders, it’s hard to beat the Turkish Riviera. On this sailing adventure, you’ll cruise along the area known as the Lycian Way, a popular destination with a long-standing maritime culture. That said, there are still many off-the-beaten-path treasures waiting to be discovered and you’ll have the perfect opportunity to do so in between snorkelling, swimming in open water, relaxing in mud baths, and enjoying Turkey’s beaches. Living aboard our state-of-the-art catamaran means you’ll never have to go without.

Discover tiny villages and secluded islands with deserted beaches, swim in clear turquoise waters, learn to sail a catamaran, hike through ancient ruins, marvel at the ancient rock tombs in Dalyan, sail into the ancient port of Bodrum

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERYIMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.

Itinerary Notes

This itinerary may need to change due to inclement weather conditions. This decision will be made solely at your skipper’s discretion, based on the safety of the group and the catamaran.

Important Notes

Please note that while it is our intention to adhere to the route described in the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the program and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On Day 1 of your tour you will be advised of any amendments. This itinerary may need to change due to inclement weather and this decision will be made solely at your skipper´s discretion, based on the safety of the group and yacht.

A NOTEREGARDINGSMALLSPACES ON SAILBOATS: Please note that the rooming for these boats is done on a first-come, first-serve basis and no particular cabins nor berths
can be guaranteed. Our skippers will pair up travel partners or if you are travelling single with someone of the same sex individuals. Please be aware that as this is a real sailboat and not a cruise vessel that the space on board is tight. You will be sharing a small room with one of your fellow passengers or travel partner and sharing the three bathrooms onboard. The sleeping quarters on sailboats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance. Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on sailboats, however if a real sailing experience on a real sailboat is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters. Please note that the skipper will also be sharing the ship’s quarters and amenities with you.

Group Leader Description

A G Adventures skipper will be with the group throughout your journey. The aim of the skipper is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible, as well as taking complete charge of the sailing, your safety on board and the safety of the vessel. As this is a real sailing adventure, our skipper might also request your help on board and will be more than happy to impart some of their vast sailing knowledge during the course of the journey. Our skippers are all fully licensed with many years of experience sailing in the area. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and you can expect your skipper to have a broad general knowledge of the Turkish coast you will visit.

Group Size Notes

Max 8

Meals Included

No meals included

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

On our Turkey sailing trips, your G Adventures skipper will offer to make a food kitty for small items, such as ice, water, coffee, tea, milk, snacks, drinks, and so on. The average amount suggested for the kitty is around EUR 75 per person, per week.

Transport

12m (40 ft) catamaran.

About our Transportation

Our 40ft catamaran is equipped with state of the art technology offering all travellers onboard a safe and enjoyable experience. Space is optimized – sleeping quarters are snug, meaning that more of the boat is open from everyone to enjoy. Cabins are allotted by the skipper based on the gender and traveller make-up of the group.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

4 twin/double bed cabins, 2 bathrooms, 2 showers.

About Accommodation

A NOTEREGARDINGSMALLSPACES ON SAILBOATS: Please note that the rooming for these boats is assigned upon arrival and neither particular cabins nor berths can be guaranteed. You will be sharing a double size bed with your travel partner or one of your fellow passengers of the same sex ( a privacy divider will be provided in these cases) and sharing the bathrooms onboard. Please be aware that as this is a real sailboat and not a cruise vessel and the space on board is tight. The sleeping quarters on sailboats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance. Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on sailboats, however if a real sailing experience on a real sailboat is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters. Opportunities to sleep in open air on main deck are often available. Please note that the skipper may also be sharing the ship’s quarters and amenities with you.

Joining Instructions

A metered taxi from the Dalaman Airport to the pier will cost around 125 Turkish Lira (USD 60-65). There are also airport (Havas) buses at the below times, which takes you to the main bus station in Fethiye. The price of the Havas Bus is 10 Turkish Lira (USD 5) per person.

You can take local Dolmus (shared vans) – the price is 2 Turkish Lira (1 USD). Alternatively, you can take a taxi – the price will be about 20 Turkish Lira (10 USD). Please meet at ECESARAYMARINA as this is where we will board our boat.

Laundry facilities can be found in some harbors, ask your skipper for the best places.

Visas and Entry Requirements

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provided the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Passengers travelling to Turkey for tourism or trade can purchase an electronic visa prior to entering the country. This electronic visa will replace the “sticker” and “stamp-type” visas issued at Turkish points of entry.

This e-visa can be obtained by visiting the website: www.evisa.gov.tr.

Your passport must be valid for 6 months on the date that you enter Turkey. Length of validity of your visa is dependent on your nationality, but is commonly 3 months.

For country specific visa information we recommend the following link:http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

Detailed Trip Notes

Welcome on board!! We are happy that you decided to be a guest on board our sailing yachts for your holidays. To make sure it’s a real one of a kind experience, your skipper wants to give you some information about the things you’ll meet on the yacht and on the trip.

No worries, we won’t make you spend your precious time on too much information, simply take it as a possibility to start your adventure at home.

Brief History of Yachting
Known since the old Egyptian Empires yachts were dedicated only to the pleasure of it’s passengers in the exclusivity of independence. Long time before tourism discovered the pleasure of big steamboat cruises around 100 years ago, the wealthy parts of societies enjoyed yachting in different ways: cruising the Nile, sailing the Greek Islands or enjoying huge parties on board of Caligula’s yachts in a lake south of Rome.

Fortunately technology developed allowing us the opportunity to sail the oceans in smaller yachts. Yachts of today are constructed under the rules of hydrodynamics, defining the shape of the hull, the needs of stability and comfort.

When only twenty years ago, running water and a stove were a pure luxury on board a yacht, you’ll find almost everything you need on your yachts today: electricity -though it’s only 12V offshore and only sometimes 220V when we’re moored, refrigerators, showers, hot water, music and much more.

But never forget: a yacht always is ‘on the budget’…budgeting room and weight for mobility and stocks for ongoing comfort.

Each yacht comes with the safety gear and instrumentation required by law to assure you a safe and successful holiday.

Here are some technical terms for you to learn to help you orient yourself:
Boat
Hull: the ‘body’ of the boat
Keel: stabilising part of the hull under the waterline to prevent capsizing
Deck: upper level of the boat
Cockpit: area in the back where we are operating the boat
Bow: Forward area of the boat
Stern Backward area of the boat
Helm: steering facility
Helmsman: Person at the helm, not necessarily the skipper
Starboard: right side of the boat looking forward from aft
Port (side): left side of the boat looking forward from aft
Rigg: all fixed equipment standing up above the deck
Mast: vertical massive pole to fix the sails
Boom: horizontal massive pole going backward from the mast
Mainsail: sail at the rear of the mast
Foresail/Genua/
Headsail: sail in front of the mast
Fender: sort of ‘bumper’ to avoid damage of the hull when moored
Winch: sort of drum to operate loaded lines or anchor chain
Beaufort: intl. scale for strength of winds, starting with 0 up to 12

Operations
Manoeuvre: changing the course of the boat or doing several operations
Tacking: turning the bow through the wind
Gibing: turning the stern through the wind
Round up: turning the boat exactly into the wind to stop moving
Fetch sth.: pulling tight a line
Ease sth.: detaching a line

Lines
There are only LINES on a boat, no ropes etc.
Most important ones:
Furling lines: to set and take away the sails
Sheets: to adjust the sails during sailing
Mooring lines: connecting the yacht to the peer
Ground lines: fixing the bow when moored ‘stern too’ (the peer)

Knots
Figure-eight knot: belongs to the end of certain lines to avoid going by the run
Half hitch: easiest knot to fix a line somewhere, not very strong one
Clove hitch: famous knot to fix various lines like mooring-, fender- etc.
Reef knot: used to connect two lines of same size to each other
More ambitious but often used:
Bowline: creating a strong and everlasting loop to a line

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional 150EUR (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2). Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €5-8 EUR per person, per day can be used.

Optional Activities

Göcek Adası
- Swimming (Free)
- Snorkelling (Free)

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

No particular health issues in Turkey, just that in some more remote islands bottled water is more recommended to drink. Just keep in mind that some heat waves are possible from June to October all over the country. People who are sensitive to seasickness should come prepared.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:

Turkey is a relatively safe country if you take the same precaution you would back home in any major and/or touristy cities, use comon sense and do not hesitate to ask your skipper about specific areas to avoid. Also it is recommended to carry with you only the money and documentation you need for the day. Always keep an eye on your belongings, while having a drink, at the internet cafe, waiting at the bus station.

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

Minimum age of 16 years for this trip.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Max Pax

Max 8

Group Leader

Skipper/CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

PRODUCT_LINE: ETVF, ID: 22457

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

Day 1 Fethiye

The boat does not set sail until the morning of Day 2.

In the evening, the skipper will take the group to a local taverna. Enjoy great food while getting to know one another.

Sample the nightlife in this lovely part of the world, or enjoy a nightcap back on the boat.

Additional Notes:
Meet the group in the café, and join the skipper on board for a safety briefing.

On the Turkey sailing trips, the G Adventures skipper will offer to make a food kitty for small items, such as ice, water, coffee, tea, milk, snacks, drinks, and so on. The average amount suggested for the kitty is around EUR 75 per person, per week.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day
Sailing Welcome Meeting

Day 2 Fethiye/Göcek Adası

The skipper will help you make the most of the tiny seaside villages by sailing in quiet coves and desolate anchorages and recommending optional activities. Gaze at the mysterious rock tombs in Dalyan. Hike through the ruins at Knidos. Spend a mellow afternoon of sunbathing on the beach on Datca or go swimming in the turquoise waters. Enjoy local meals throughout the journey at small local taverns and be greeted by smiles from the friendly locals.

Our 40 ft (13m) catamaran is the perfect platform to explore the rugged spectacular coast of Turkey. Most mornings are early to take advantage of what the days have to offer and give us early arrival times into each port of call.

Three hours west of Fethiye, Göcek has been described as a hidden paradise boasting beautiful clean waters, green pine forests, and quiet beaches. Enjoy optional swimming and snorkelling stops along the way before spending the afternoon exploring this seaside village.

Day 3 Göcek Adası/Tersane Adası

Explore the islands to the east of Dalyan, offering outstanding snorkelling opportunities and great walks to spectacular viewpoints. Haman is a desolate island with only a small pier and single taverna.

Included Activities:
Tersane Adasi and Haman Excursion

Transport:
12m (40 ft) BVI Sailing Catamaran

Day 4 Tersane Adası/Ekincik

The town of Dalyan is just up river from our anchorage. Take a small ferry past the mysterious rock tombs carved into the cliff sides. Spot sea turtles in the waters. Just west is the tiny town of Ekincik. Spend the night in a quiet bay after visiting a local taverna for dinner.

Included Activities:
Ekincik Excursion

Transport:
12m (40 ft) BVI Sailing Catamaran

Day 5 Ekincik/Marmaris

Spend the afternoon meandering through the whitewashed town of Marmaris. There is little left of the original fishing village, but the city maintains its charm as it is set between two intersecting mountains by the sea. This resort town is a busy centre and offers many opportunities for activities and shopping. It also boasts a bustling nightlife.

Included Activities:
Marmaris Excursion

Transport:
12m (40 ft) BVI Sailing Catamaran

Day 6 Marmaris/Bozukkale

Be greeted by a local family who run the remote restaurant and rustic dock. With no road access to Bozukkale, all produce is brought in by boat, donkey, or is caught in the surrounding waters. Enjoy amazing views over the bay while exploring the ruins of the ancient citadel of Loryma.

Included Activities:
Bozukkale Excursion

Transport:
12m (40 ft) BVI Sailing Catamaran

Day 7 Bozukkale/Bozburun

Be greeted by smiles in this tiny town nestled between the mountains and the sea. Enjoy a glass of chilled wine on the boat before heading into town to explore the small sleepy village. Dinner will be with the group ashore in a nice local establishment.

Included Activities:
Bozburun Excursion

Transport:
12m (40 ft) BVI Sailing Catamaran

Day 8 Bozburun/Datça

Enjoy the clear turquoise waters and Datça’s very mellow local community.

Included Activities:
Datca Excursion

Transport:
12m (40 ft) BVI Sailing Catamaran

Day 9 Datça/Knidos

Explore the ancient ruin site of Knidos. Take some pictures and imagine how ancient life used to be.

Included Activities:
Knidos Excursion

Transport:
12m (40 ft) BVI Sailing Catamaran

Day 10 Knidos/Bodrum

Enjoy a final morning sailing across Gokova Bay, arriving in the morning.

Additional Notes:
When arranging your transportation such as flights, please take into consideration travel times from the port to the airport.